Expanding Harm Reduction Access in the US for Rural and Other Underserved Populations
Our speaker is Czarina Behrends, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Population Health Studies, Weill Cornell Medical College. This presentation describes community-based naloxone distribution methods, including mail-out harm reduction supplies. Specific considerations for reaching members of rural communities are discussed.
Learning objectives:
1. Discuss the need for novel approaches for distributing harm reduction supplies
2. Describe various types of community-based naloxone distribution methods
3. Outline specifics of programs that mail out harm reduction supplies
4. Discuss the impact of such programs on members of rural and other underserved populations
Speaker
Czarina Behrends, PhD, MPH
Dr. Czarina Behrends, PhD, MPH, is Assistant Professor of Population Health Studies, Weill Cornell Medical College. She is a trained epidemiologist and health services researcher with qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods analysis experience in studying harm reduction, HIV and HCV testing, and health services delivery for people who use drugs (PWUD). Her current work focuses on evaluating the public health impact of innovative harm reduction and health services delivery models for people who use drugs, as well as estimating the associated cost and cost-effectiveness of implementing these programs. Dr. Behrends is currently the Principle Investigator of an R01 awarded by NIDA to study the feasibility of expanding mail-based harm reduction programs in the United States.